Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola at Campus Martius, Rome
Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola at Campus (Chiesa di Sant 'Ignazio di Loyola) in Rome belongs to the Jesuit Order. From the outside, it is distinguished by a certain pretentiousness inherent in the Baroque style, while inside, the rich monks were not shy at all. The church is dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the monastic order of the Society of Jesus.
History of the church
The creation of the church is closely connected with the Roman Jesuit College founded by Saint Ignatius in 1551.The Church of the Annunciation was situated next to it. Soon, due to the huge number of students, arose the question of building a new, larger temple. On March 16, 1622, Pope Gregory XV canonized Ignacio de Loyola. He also initiated the construction of the church, and ignited his nephew, Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi with the idea. On August 2, 1626, a project competition was announced for the future temple. The cardinal chose the designs of the architect Orazio Grassi, who was a Jesuit priest. Construction began in the same year, and was completed only in 1650. All expenses were covered by Ludovisi, as the basilica was intended specifically for college students.
At different times, famous architects worked on the church: Domenichino, Girolamo Rainaldi and Alessandro Algardi. In 1685–1690, the temple acquired interior decorations from the hands of the famous artist Andrea del Pozzo. The basilica was consecrated only in 1722 and then acquired the current name – the Church of Saint Ignatius.
Architecture and interior
The majestic church was created in the Baroque style popular in those days. It is the most vivid in its façade. It has 3 doors, Corinthian columns are located on both sides of the central one. All of them are decorated with festoons and friezes. The second level with a large window rises above the central part, and even higher – a triangular pediment with bas-reliefs. Inside, the temple has the shape of a Latin cross with a length of 81.5 and a width of 43 meters. The only nave ends in an apse, and has 3 chapels on both sides.
The real masterpiece of the temple is a nonexistent dome. In order to save money the ceiling was made straight. But later Andrea del Pozzo created a small illusion by decorating it. He was not only an artist, but also a mathematician. And thus managed to create frescoes on the ceiling, which create the illusion of the dome. The paintings depict the apostolic activities of the Jesuit Order and its founder, Saint Ignatius. The concave apse is also decorated in such a way that it creates a feeling of its versatility. This effect is achieved thanks to 4 straight columns. Between them there are pictures with illustrations of scenes from the life of the saint.
Several tombs are placed in the side chapels, in addition to the frescoes. The remains of famous figures of the Jesuit Order are here. Among them there are Alois Gonzaga, Robert Bellarmine John Berchmans.
How to get there
The Church of Saint Ignatius is located in the historical center of the Eternal City, in the Campo Marzio district, on Via del Caravita, 8a. Not far away there are such famous places as the Pantheon, the Venezia Palace and the Wax Museum. In 200 meters there is a bus stop Corso/Minghetti (routes 62, 63, 83, 85, 160, 492, C3, N4, N5, N12, N25).
Opening hours:
- Monday-Saturday from 7:30 to 19:00,
- Sundays and holidays from 9:00 to 19:00.
Phone number for information (+39) 06 679 4406.
Free admission.
